The Royal Commission for al-Ula (RCU) confirmed that the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Kingdom and France to develop the historical and heritage sites in al-Ula province reflects Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to protect and promote the world heritage and its recognition of the importance of developing sustainable tourism and cultural heritage with partners from around the world.
It also reflects the Kingdom’s willingness to boost means of cooperation among all partners from different sectors through the implementation of various projects that achieve the desired objectives.
RCU explained in a statement on Tuesday that being one of the Kingdom’s primary cultural development projects, both nations will embark on a collaborative project to develop future visions for a long-term cultural, heritage and tourism development project for Al-Ula.
The aim is to enable local, regional and international visitors to experience the richness of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, Arabian civilizations and local values, in line with Vision 2030, in order to positively support the creation of a thriving economy.
“France is a distinguished partner for its remarkable successes in the fields of tourism, hospitality, preservation of heritage, monuments and arts,” the statement pointed out.
In the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, French President Emmanuel Macron and Gérard Mestrallet, Special Envoy of the French President for al-Ula, the intergovernmental agreement was signed by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Governor of al-Ula, and Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The terms include an agreement between the two governments to share and exchange knowledge on the development al-Ula province culturally and economically in addition to the preservation of culture and historical heritage and natural and human resources.
These objectives will be achieved through cooperation in areas of architectural planning, infrastructure and mobility, preservation of cultural and architectural heritage, cultural and artistic performances, promotion of the cultural identity of the province, development of the hospitality sector, promotion of sustainable tourism, preservation of the environment, strengthening of national competencies and capacities, transferring expertise and localization of technology.
